US Bridges

FM over Prairie Creek

Poor

Benton County, Iowa · 085101005 · Structure no. 000000000072580

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
128 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
550
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Prairie Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM over Prairie Creek in Benton County, Iowa. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 550 vehicles a day, projected to reach 550 by 2044. The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location085101005
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBenton County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.18518, -92.00189
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.5 US tons
Inventory rating33.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length128 ft (39 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic550 (2021)
Projected traffic550 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Prairie Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Prairie Creek carry?

About 550 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is FM over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.